38 Ways To Run A Super Fitness Business (And Still Enjoy The Ride)

Who wants to be great at running their business?

Stupid question right…. We all do.

The good news is that just being in business makes you better at it as you progress. Sort of like getting your drivers license; you start off a little nervous and timid and as you get more k’s under your belt your confidence grows and it all becomes second nature.

But where do you fit in on that scale?

Have you just got your license or are you an experienced driver?

Personally, there are some days where I feel like my thirteen years business experience holds me in pretty good stead and I am flying confidently down the highway at high speed with my arm resting on the open window sill. Other days (mostly as I try to master the new world of blogging and social media), I feel like I have my training wheels on again. It is a refreshing thought to think that no matter how much experience we have on one aspect of the industry, we can be completely new and childlike to the learning of other business skills.

One thing that I heard during the week really hit home with me. This guy was talking about different phase people go through when they are starting their own businesses and how important it was to not be ashamed to be in the start up phase. We all want to have great businesses but this guy (name escapes me) simply pointed out that EVERYONE started somewhere, everyone made mistakes and everyone had to go through the process.

So I thought back through my PT business life….how I had always looked forward to the future (that bloody striving thing) instead of enjoying the present moment for what it is. So my message today is a simple one – don’t be ashamed of where you are at, enjoy the process because without the process their is no real learning.

BUT, what I can also bring you today is thirteen years of experience, mistakes, fun, success, hi-jinks, hustle and excitement all wrapped up into my 38 ways to run a super fitness business  (and still enjoy the ride). While you are reading through this list, start thinking about what you can tick off and what you need to work on:

1) Have passion (boring but crucial).

2) Spend your regular TV time working on your business.

3) Get sorted with Facebook – consistent connection is king.

4) Don’t bring your shity work-day home with you, separate the two.

5) Forget about money and focus on people.

6) Get really good and what you do because sucking never got anyone anywhere.

7) Man up and look after yourself – your superhero status will wear off very quickly.

8) Surround yourself with other people going through the same thing you are (your own little support team).

9) Educate yourself.

10) Educate your clients.

11) If you have a bad feeling about something there is probably a good reason (your gut is nearly always right).

12) Take time to get to know people, I mean really take some time – it is always worth it.

13) Give alot of your shit out before you ask for anything in return.

14) Procrastination is an excuse – look into it and find out why you are fluffing.

15) Clients know if you don’t care, so either really care or become a brickie.

16) Don’t plan, just do – planing is just structured procrastination.

17) Not taking time off is for losers – go see your friends and family, step away from your business and freshen up.

18) Everything is always going to be OK – stressing about stuff is unproductive.

19) Embrace imperfections and get more done.

20) Don’t care about your competition – let them care about you.

21) Learn how to market properly as it it is the secret to the universe.

22) Learn how people’s minds think as it is the secret to marketing (that’s a nice small one for you).

23) Be aware that people judge you on first impression: make it a good impression.

24) ALWAYS get your money upfront (otherwise you are going to get slammed with cancellation fees).

25) Always be early – it reduces your stress levels.

26) Bad days come and go, ride the bumps – move on.

27) Clients sometimes leave and it’s not always your fault – accept it.

28) Clients sometimes get poor results and it’s not always your fault – accept it.

29) Reward your clients loud and often.

30) Document what you do so others can do it for you (systems also increase your business sale price)

31) Good intentions are never enough; action speaks.

32) Saying sorry without the BUT is really important.

33) Laughing out loud at least once a day is essential (too many serious pills are dangerous for your health).

34) Get a mentor to help you sort your shit out.

35) Outsource your crappy jobs (books, tax, etc).

36) Service a specific market, be yourself and go deep into the niche.

37) Celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small.

38) BE YOURSELF – there is only one of you (so the competition is relatively small)

So there you have it, 38 ways to rock as a business owner and have a good time in the process. I would love to know which of the 38 you struggle with and which ones you have in the bag….. Leave a comment below and let me know.

Cheers

Rick

P.S: Bit of housekeeping news – due to demand, I have made some changes to my coaching program. Check out how you can book in for a free 30 minute coaching call to overhaul your business.

About the author: Rick Watson is the surfing, swearing personal training business guy who tells it like it is. He blogs, coaches, writes books and holds live workshops for personal trainers but most of all he is a father and husband (with a healthy respect for road trips). If you like what you read, subscribe to blog here and get your weekly dose of goodness delivered straight to your inbox.

Tagged as: Blogging, Business Experience, Business Life, Business Skills, Confidence, Excitement, Fitness Business, Hi Jinks, High Speed, One Don, Present Moment, Running, Second Nature, Stead, Stupid Question, Super Fitness, Thirteen Years, Training Wheels, Window Sill